JP2004321407A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operation rate by detaining a player who intends to stop playing a game by decrease in the number of valuables possessed by the player. <P>SOLUTION: When tokens are put out by a win occurring in each game, a value of an betting/token number difference counter is increased by the number of the tokens, and when the player sets a betting number in each game, the value of the betting/token number difference counter is decreased by the number of the betting. The value of the betting/token difference counter is prevented from decreasing more than zero. When the result of an internal lottery in each game does not win a bonus and if the value of the betting/token number difference counter is 50 or more, a probability of performing a bonus preview is 1/10, however, if the value of the betting/token number difference counter becomes less than 50, the probability of performing the bonus preview increases to 1/5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to executing an effect in a slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on an outer peripheral portion, and a prize is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Then, when a predetermined prize is generated in each game, a medal is paid out as a valuable value. Further, depending on the type of the generated prize, a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to simply as a bonus). ), And the game proceeds in an advantageous state for the player.
[0003]
When a prize is generated, the number of medals held by the player increases, but in order to generate a prize in each game, it is necessary to win an internal lottery in advance. Considering the winning probability of the internal lottery, usually, unless the player wins a big bonus or a regular bonus, the number of medals held by the player will gradually decrease. On the other hand, when the gaming state shifts to the big bonus or the regular bonus, the number of medals held by the player usually increases.
[0004]
In addition, even if the number of medals on hand has increased after the transition to the Big Bonus or Regular Bonus, the number of medals on hand of the player will decrease again when these are terminated and the normal game state is returned. . If the number of medals on hand decreases as the normal gaming state continues, many players will come up with an idea to stop the game. If the number of medals on hand is completely lost or the number of medals held at the end of the bonus is reduced to some extent (for example, about the number at the start of the bonus), the game is often stopped at that point.
[0005]
However, if winning a big bonus or a regular bonus can be expected, the number of medals on hand will increase if a prize is won, and there are not many players who try to stop the game at that time. When the bonus announcement effect is performed, the player can expect a big bonus or a regular bonus, although it is not certain. The more frequently the bonus notice effect is performed, the greater the sense of expectation. In order to maintain the player's expectation, slot machines and pachinko gaming machines that change the frequency of the announcement effect have been proposed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-129190
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-120707 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-2002-177451
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the frequency of the announcement effect is changed as in the slot machines and the pachinko gaming machines of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the change in the frequency is unrelated to the change in the number of medals held by the player. Was. In other words, the frequency of effects does not change at the timing when the number of medals held by the player decreases and the game is to be stopped. In other words, the player trying to stop the game cannot be stopped because the number of medals in hand has decreased. That is, the number of medals on hand decreases to some extent (or completely disappears), and the game is often not continued. Therefore, the operating rate of the slot machine cannot be increased.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that improves the operating rate by stopping a player who wants to stop a game due to a decrease in the number of valuables possessed by the player.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention
The game can be started by setting the number of bets for one game, and the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, thereby completing one game, and the variable display device (variable display device 2) In a slot machine that can generate a predetermined prize according to the display result of
Bet number counting means (Step S305) for counting the number of bets set by the player, and value counting means (Step S308) for counting the number of value values paid out to the player due to occurrence of the predetermined prize. And a difference calculating means (difference counter (RAM112)) for calculating a difference obtained by subtracting the set bet amount from the paid out value value.
Effect control means (effect control board 101) for causing the effect means (such as the liquid crystal display 4) to perform an effect relating to the game,
The effect control means determines whether or not the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range. When the effect control means determines that the difference number is within the predetermined range, the effect control means (the liquid crystal display 4) transmits the result to the effect means (the liquid crystal display 4). Change the frequency of performing the effect (bonus notice effect) (Fig. 6)
It is characterized by the following.
[0010]
In the above slot machine,
When the effect control means determines that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within the predetermined range, the effect control means can further change the content of the effect performed by the effect means (FIG. 6).
[0011]
In the above slot machine, the difference calculating means calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the bet set by the player from the bet paid out to the player. It often shows a value close to the number of values. The effect frequency is changed when the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range, so that the number of players who stop stopping the game increases. Further, when the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range, the content of the effect can be changed, so that the number of players who stop stopping the game further increases. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued is increased, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine is increased.
[0012]
It should be noted that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means may not be set to a negative value. Since the number of valuables actually possessed by the player cannot be negative in reality, in this case, the difference between the difference computed by the difference number computing means and the value actually possessed by the player is calculated. Large differences between numbers can be prevented.
[0013]
In the above slot machine,
The effect control means, after the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means exceeds a predetermined value equal to or more than the maximum value of the predetermined range, when it is determined that the difference is in the predetermined range, the effect means The frequency at which the effect is performed can be changed.
Further, the effect control means may change the frequency at which the effect means performs an effect after the predetermined number of games has been consumed.
[0014]
In this case, the frequency of the effect is not changed from the start of the game until the predetermined value is first exceeded (or until the predetermined number of games is exhausted), and the frequency of the effect is changed from the beginning. There is no risk of distracting the player.
[0015]
The above slot machine
A range setting unit that sets the predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation unit may be further provided.
Note that a plurality of types of ranges may be set as the predetermined range.
[0016]
Here, during a predetermined period from when a predetermined start condition is satisfied to when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, a game in which a game state is shifted to a game state advantageous to a player whose expected value of the difference number is positive is provided. When further including a state transition unit,
The range setting means may set the predetermined range when the predetermined end condition is satisfied.
[0017]
In this case, by setting a predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means, it is possible to further change the effect frequency at an appropriate timing when the difference number changes. Further, when the predetermined end condition for the advantageous game state is satisfied, the difference calculated by the difference calculating means tends to peak, so that the predetermined range for changing the effect frequency is set at the optimal timing. become.
[0018]
The above slot machine
The game may further include a skill determination unit that determines the skill of the player according to the progress of the game. In this case,
The effect control means may further change the frequency at which the effect means performs an effect according to the skill of the player determined by the skill determining means.
[0019]
Here, the effect control means may further change the content of the effect performed by the effect means in accordance with the skill of the player determined by the skill determining means.
[0020]
In this way, by changing the frequency of the effect according to the skill of the player, and further by changing the content of the effect, players with low skill generally tend to play games relying on the effect. Therefore, it is possible to direct the player to continue the game by changing the frequency of the effect. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce a case where a player with high skill is bothered by unnecessary effects.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure visually recognized when the front door of the slot machine in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and rotating it clockwise.
[0023]
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR, respectively.
[0024]
On the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, symbols such as "no color 7", "colored 7", "BAR", "JAC", "watermelon", "cherry", and "bell" are arranged in a predetermined order. It is drawn in. The arrangement of the symbols will be further described later. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in three stages of upper, middle, and lower. Further, in the reel unit 3, a reel sensor 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting a reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back are provided. I have.
[0025]
Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display section 21, a credit display section 22, and a payout display section 23 are provided. The number-of-games display section 21 is constituted by a number-of-games display 51 using a seven-segment display, and displays a value of a counter for counting the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.
[0026]
The credit display unit 22 is configured by a credit display unit 52 of a seven-segment display, and displays the number of credits stored as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals as described later. The payout display unit 23 is configured by a payout display 53 using a seven-segment display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is achieved.
[0027]
On the left side of the variable display device 2, a single bet display unit 24, a two bet display unit 25, 26, and a three bet display unit 27, 28 are provided. The one, two, and three bet display units 24-28 respectively display one, two, and three bet lamps 54 through corresponding to lines activated according to the number of bets (hereinafter, referred to as valid lines). When 58 is turned on, the player is shown an active line in each game. The one-, two-, and three-betting bet display units 24-28 display that the one-, two-, and three-betting lamps 54-58 blink when a prize is won for a role described later. The activated lines that have won the combination described later are shown to the player.
[0028]
On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display section 29 indicates that medals can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start is possible, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted when the start lamp 60 is turned on. The weight display section 31 indicates that a weight described later is being applied by turning on the weight lamp 61. When the replay lamp 62 is turned on, the replay display section 32 indicates that a replay prize, described later, has been won. The game over display section 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63.
[0029]
On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as presentation means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effects images according to the game state. The effect image is composed of, for example, a series of moving images, and is notified by the process of the effect or the final screen that an internal lottery, which will be described later, has been won or that there is a possibility of the internal lottery (the internal lottery A notification that the winning probability is 100%) or a notice (a notification that there is a possibility that the internal lottery has been won) is given. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.
[0030]
A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a settlement button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 4) that light up when the bet amount can be set from the credits (maximum 50) stored as data are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15. Have been.
[0031]
The medal insertion slot 13 is for the player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion of the medal is detected by the inserted medal sensor 44 while the insertion instruction section 29 is turned on, the number of bets is set, Alternatively, credits are stored as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When the bet amount is detected by the single BET switch 45 (see FIG. 4) or the MAX BET switch 46 (see FIG. 4), the bet amount from credit is set. The payment button 16 is a button for instructing payment of credits. When an operation is detected by the payment switch 47 (see FIG. 4), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.
[0032]
A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are provided on a vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. Further, a panel covering the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is applied as the bonus notification unit 36.
[0033]
The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 4), the drive of the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR is started, and the reel is started. 3L, 3C and 3R start rotating. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at desired timing, and the operation is performed by the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 4). , The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0034]
The fact that the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R can be operated is indicated to the player by turning on the operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 4) provided therein. When the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 4) is turned on, the bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag described later is set with a probability of 100%. I do. On the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal jam clearing button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.
[0035]
On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout opening 71 and a medal storage plate 72 are provided. The medal payout opening 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the payout of medals. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 4) installed inside. Inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80, a full tank sensor 90 for detecting that the stored medals are full is provided.
[0036]
Loudspeakers 7U, 7L, and 7R as effect means are provided on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of a prize, a big bonus, and a regular bonus, and output an alarm sound at the time of an abnormality, and output various sound for an effect according to a game state. Do.
[0037]
Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display section 5A that performs a light effect by emitting light from the game effect lamps 75A to 75M as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Ｍ5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects with light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. The emission colors of the game effect display sections 5A to 5M may be a single color or a plurality of colors.
[0038]
Further, inside the slot machine 1, a setting switch 91 for setting a winning probability of an internal lottery described later, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91 to be operated by an unlocking operation, an internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. )), And a power supply unit 9 including a main switch 94 for turning ON / OFF the power. Since the operation of the setting switch 91 requires the unlocking operation of the setting key switch 92, only a person having a specific authority, such as a clerk at a game store, can perform the operation. Further, a first reset switch 48 having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the rear side of the front door.
[0039]
As a control board for controlling each of the above components, a power supply board 100 disposed on the lower side inside, a game control board 101 disposed on the upper side inside, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105, and An effect control board 102 arranged behind the front door is provided. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wiring mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.
[0040]
The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 4, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is also supplied to other units. A setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and the detection signals of these switches are sent to the game control board 101.
[0041]
The game control board 101 is a main-side control board that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1. The game control board 101 includes a control unit 110 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. Yes. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119, and other circuits are mounted.
[0042]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1 directly or indirectly. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.
[0043]
The random number generation circuit 115 is configured by, for example, a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used in the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is defined.
[0044]
The CPU 111 obtains the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number by sending an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 in accordance with the processing (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of a specific address in the RAM 112 by a timer interrupt process and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function).
[0045]
The CPU 111 transmits various commands including a winning status notification command described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and information is not sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.
[0046]
The game control board 101 is connected to a single BET switch 45, a MAX BET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a inserted medal sensor 44. Of the switches / sensors are input. Further, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR are input via the reel relay board 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of the various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.
[0047]
The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game count indicator 51, a credit indicator 52, a payout indicator 53, an insertion instruction lamp 59, a one bet lamp 54, a two bet lamp 55, 56, The three betting lamps 57 and 58, the game over lamp 63, the start lamp 60, the replay lamp 62, the BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and the operation valid lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 determines according to the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.
[0048]
In addition, reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are connected to the game control board 101 via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3ML via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103 with reference to the reel control table corresponding to the game state in the ROM 113 to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Let it. When stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, the pull-in control of up to four frames is performed according to the setting status of a winning flag described later.
[0049]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of the effect in the slot machine 1, and has a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124 mounted thereon. I have. The CPU 121 is provided with a random number generation circuit 125 and a sampling circuit 126. The CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the CPU 121 has the same hardware random number function as the game control board 101. Is formed. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.
[0050]
The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform a process relating to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The effect is performed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs a control signal to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.
[0051]
The effect control board 102 is connected with the game effect lamps 75A to 75M, the liquid crystal display 4, the speakers 7L, 7R, 7U, the fluorescent lamp 6, the weight lamp 61, and the bonus notification lamp 66. A speaker drive circuit 131, a display drive circuit 132, a lamp drive circuit 133, and the like are provided. The reel lamp 3LP is connected via the reel lamp relay board 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 controls each of these units to perform the effect.
[0052]
The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105, and the reel unit 3. A full tank sensor 90 is also connected to the reel relay board 103, and a detection signal thereof is input. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a signal during the big bonus, a signal during the regular bonus, a reel control signal, and a stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. A switch signal, a medal IN signal, and a medal OUT signal are output to the external device.
[0053]
In the slot machine 1, when the winning symbols are arranged on the activated line set according to the bet number of the variable display device 2, a winning is achieved. In order for a prize to be generated, the internal winning flag of the combination must be set, and details thereof will be described later. At the time of winning, a medal is paid out, and the game state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the "roles" determined to be winning will be described.
[0054]
In the normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on the activated line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is to play a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) only a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or to win a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the activated line). To complete). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings. Note that the state in which the regular bonus game is shifted, that is, the game state in which the regular bonus game is provided is referred to as a first special game state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0055]
If, for example, three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are aligned on the activated line according to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, a maximum of 30 games called small combination games can be played. In this small win game, “JAC” is aligned on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when JACIN is performed, the above-described regular bonus is provided (up to three times).
[0056]
The big bonus ends when the 30 small role games end or when the regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. When the end condition is satisfied, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACINs, the number of regular bonus games and their winnings, and the number of medals obtained during the big bonus. The state in which the game has shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0057]
In addition, in a game other than the regular bonus game (including a case provided during the big bonus), when "watermelon" or "bell" is aligned on the activated line, or "cherry" appears on the left reel 3L. In this case, a small role prize is won. Except for the small role game provided during the big bonus period and the regular bonus game (including the inside of the big bonus), if “JAC” is aligned on the activated line, a replay prize is won. In the following description, the term “bonus” includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.
[0058]
Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is for determining in advance whether or not to allow winning of each of the above-mentioned roles, and a random number for the internal lottery obtained by using the hardware random number function, setting by the setting switch 91, setting by the player The CPU 111 refers to the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 based on the bet amount and the current game state, and the CPU 111 performs such a means for the advance determination. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.
[0059]
According to the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (a plurality depending on the type of small role), a replay winning flag, and a JACIN winning flag (replay winning flag) during a big bonus. The JAC winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101 during the regular bonus. Only one new winning flag is set in one game. However, only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over to the next game and thereafter until an actual prize is won.
[0060]
A winning status notification command is generated by the CPU 111 based on the information about the various winning flags set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the internal lottery described above, and transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for each game. Can be The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs a bonus announcement effect or a bonus announcement effect based on the winning status notification command. In addition, in order to prevent the result of the internal lottery from being completely output to the outside, the content of the winning status notification command is converted with a very low probability and transmitted to the effect control board 102 within a range that does not affect the bonus notification. You may do it.
[0061]
The frequency and content of the bonus announcement performed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 as an effect varies depending on whether or not a bonus has been won and the difference counted after winning the bonus. Here, the difference ball means a number obtained by subtracting the number of bets set by the player in each game from the number of medals paid out by winning in each game (including the case where credits are added). .
[0062]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a bonus notice determination table for determining the frequency and content of the bonus notice. The bonus announcement determination table is stored in the ROM 123 of the effect control board 102 in advance, and the presence or absence of a bonus win, the value of a difference counter (described later), whether or not to perform a bonus announcement effect, and the type of the bonus announcement effect are registered. It is a table. Whether or not to perform the bonus announcement effect and what kind of bonus announcement effect is to be performed depend on the value of the bonus announcement determination random number (0 to 99) extracted when the winning status notification command is received from the game control board 101. I can decide.
[0063]
For example, when the winning status notification command indicates that the bonus is won, the bonus announcement effect is not performed if the value of the bonus announcement determination random number is 0 to 49, regardless of the difference counter value. , 50 to 79, a preview effect A is performed, 80 to 91, a preview effect B is performed, and 92, 93, a preview effect C is performed. In other words, some kind of bonus announcement effect is performed with a probability of 1/2.
[0064]
If the winning status notification command indicates that the bonus has not been won and the value of the difference counter is 50 or more, the bonus announcement effect is not performed if the value of the random number for determining the bonus announcement is 0 to 89. In the case of 90 to 94, the notice effect A is performed, in the case of 95, the notice effect B is performed, and in the case of 96, the notice effect C is performed. Here, the probability that any bonus announcement effect is performed is 1/10.
[0065]
Even if the winning status notification command indicates that the bonus has not been won, if the value of the difference counter is less than 50, the bonus announcement effect is performed if the random number for bonus announcement determination is 0 to 79. If it is 80 to 87, the notice effect A is performed, if it is 88 to 91, the notice effect B is performed, and if it is 92 or 93, the notice effect B is performed. Here, the probability that any bonus announcement effect is performed is 1/5, which is higher than when the value of the difference ball counter is 50 or more, and a bonus announcement effect with a higher reliability than the announcement effect C or more is provided. The probability of being performed is the same as when the bonus is won.
[0066]
When paying out medals (or adding credits) due to winnings generated as a result of the game, the difference ball counter is incremented by the expected payout number, and the player sets the bet amount by inserting medals (or credits). When the number of bets is set from), the counter is decremented by the number of bets, and is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. When the value obtained by subtracting the number of bets becomes negative, 0 is set as an initial value in the difference counter.
[0067]
It is considered that the value of the difference ball counter indicates a value close to the number of medals (including credits) held by the player. The player is likely to give up continuing the game when the medals on hand are exhausted. When the value of the difference counter becomes small, it is considered that the number of medals held by the player is also small, and it is considered that the game is stopped in the remaining games. On the other hand, when there is a high possibility that a bonus has been won, the player rarely stops playing the game. Therefore, when the value of the difference ball counter is less than 50, by increasing the frequency of performing the bonus announcement effect, the expectation of the bonus winning is increased, and the player is stopped from trying to stop the game. It is.
[0068]
By the way, in the slot machine 1, the value of the difference ball counter may not always be considered to indicate a value close to the number of medals held by the player. When the player stops the game at the time when the bonus is over, the value of the difference ball counter is large, but when another player starts the game next time, there is a corresponding number of medals on hand. There are few things. When the player changes, it is better to return the difference counter value to the initial value of 0.
[0069]
In the slot machine 1, on the effect control board 102, the time during which a situation in which no game is performed (a situation in which no command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102) continues is measured by a game stop timer. are doing. When receiving any command from the game control board 101, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 clears the time being counted by the game stop timer, but when the predetermined time is counted without receiving any command, the CPU 121 The counter value is cleared.
[0070]
Note that when the effect control board 102 receives the winning status notification command, if the relevant winning status notification command indicates that the bonus has been won, a bonus notification determination random number is extracted, and depending on the value, A bonus announcement effect may be performed. Once the bonus notification effect is performed, the notified flag is set in the RAM 122 until a bonus prize is won, and the bonus notification effect and the bonus notification effect are not repeated.
[0071]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term "game" includes a series of steps from setting the number of bets to rotating / stopping the reels 3L, 3C and 3R. Furthermore, if some processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of the game state) is performed after the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, this processing is also included as processing in one game. I do.
[0072]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also performed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).
[0073]
Next, the number of bets is set by operating the single BET button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals through the medal insertion slot 13 and operating the start lever 11 to substantially execute the game. A BET process for instructing start is performed (step S2). However, if a replay has been won in the previous game, the same bet amount as in the previous game is automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is deleted at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. To start the game. The details of the BET processing will be described later.
[0074]
When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each combination is permitted (step S3). In the lottery process, a winning flag of each winning combination is set based on the lottery result, and a winning status notification command indicating the status is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The details of the lottery process will be described later.
[0075]
When the lottery process ends, a reel change start process is performed next (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are rotated on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the time counted by one game timer has elapsed. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotating all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device 2. If the predetermined time has not elapsed from the start of the rotation in the previous game, the game waits for the start of rotation, and turns on the weight lamp 61 to notify the weight display unit 31 of that fact. The order in which the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, a reel stop timer and a one-game timer for the next game are started.
[0076]
Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition (detecting the reference position by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed) from the start of rotation of the reel is satisfied, the stop buttons 12L and 12C are set. , 12R, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are stopped and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped by being operated by the player. Further, when the time measured by the reel stop timer elapses a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is forcibly stopped. At this time, the drive stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled according to the setting status of the winning flag of each winning combination.
[0077]
When the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, it is determined whether any of the above-mentioned winning symbols is aligned on the activated line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET processing in step S2 in the display mode at the time of the stop. A winning determination process is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that any one of the winning combinations has been won, various processes (including setting the number of payouts) according to the winning generated on the game control board 101 are performed. The details of the winning determination process will be described later.
[0078]
When the winning determination processing ends, a payout processing is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of expected payout medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the excess number of medals is paid out from the medal payout opening 71 by driving the hopper motor 82. Further, processing such as counting the number of games at the time of the bonus and ending the bonus is also performed.
[0079]
Next, the BET processing in step S2 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET processing executed by the CPU 111 in step S2. In the BET processing, first, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred as a result of the previous game and the replay flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S101).
[0080]
If no replay winning has occurred as a result of the previous game and the replay flag has not been set in the RAM 112, 0 is substituted as the initial value of the bet amount of the current game (step S102). Next, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the single BET button 14 based on whether or not the detection signal of the single BET switch 45 has been input (step S103). If the single BET button 14 has been operated, the bet amount of the current game is incremented by 1 (step S104). In addition, a BET command indicating that the bet number is 1 is transmitted to effect control board 102 (step S105). Then, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0081]
If the single BET button has not been operated, it is determined whether or not the MAXBET button 15 has been operated by the player based on whether or not the detection signal of the MAXBET switch 46 has been input (step S106). If the MAXBET button 15 has been operated, the bet amount of the current game is added by 3 minus the current bet amount (step S107). If the MAXBET button 15 has been operated, a BET command indicating the bet amount obtained by subtracting the current bet amount from 3 is transmitted (step S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0082]
In step S109, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated by the player based on whether or not the detection signal of the start switch 41 has been input. However, in a state where the bet amount is not set at all, the operation of the start lever 11 is invalid, and it is considered that even if a physical operation is performed, it is not operated.
[0083]
When the start lever 11 is operated, the current bet amount is determined, the BET process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the start lever has not been operated, it is determined whether the current bet amount has become 3 (step S110). If the current bet amount is not 3, the process returns to step S103. If the current bet number is 3, the current bet number is determined, and the process proceeds to step S113.
[0084]
If the replay flag based on the replay winning as a result of the previous game is set in the RAM 112 in step S101, the number of bets in the previous game is set as it is in the current game (step S111). Here, the number of bets is determined. Further, the replay flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S112). Then, the process proceeds to step S113.
[0085]
In step S113, whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated by the player is determined based on whether or not the detection signal of the start switch 41 has been input. If the start lever 11 has not been operated, the process of step S113 is repeated, and the process waits for the start lever 11 to be operated. If the start lever 11 has been operated, the BET processing ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0086]
Next, the winning determination processing in step S6 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S6. First, it is determined whether or not a symbol serving as a display mode of any combination is derived and displayed on the activated line set according to the bet amount (step S201). If no winning combination has been derived and displayed, the winning determination process ends and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0087]
If the symbol of any combination is derived and displayed, it is determined whether or not the winning flag of the combination corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the activated line is set in the RAM 122 (step S202). If the winning flag of the hand corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the activated line is not set, the process ends with an error. If the winning flag of the combination corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the activated line is set, it means that the combination has been won.
[0088]
Here, a process for setting various flags according to the winning combination in the RAM 112 (deleting some flags) is performed (step S203). This processing includes clearing the big bonus winning flag and setting the big bonus flag when winning the big bonus, clearing the regular bonus winning flag and setting the regular bonus flag when winning the regular bonus, and winning the replay This includes setting of a replay flag in the case of the execution. Further, it generates a prize information command indicating whether or not a prize has occurred, and if a prize has occurred, generates a prize information command indicating the type of the prize that has occurred and transmits the command to the effect control board 102 (step S204).
[0089]
Next, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is a replay (step S205). If it is not a replay, the winning combination is a combination with payout of medals, so the expected payout number corresponding to the combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S206). The payout number command indicating the expected payout number is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S207). Then, the winning determination process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the winning combination is a replay winning, the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0090]
In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs the transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the production of the command according to the progress of the game. The signal is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, based on the command received from the game control board 101, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs a unique effect including a bonus notification and a bonus notice. Hereinafter, processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to perform various effects (particularly, bonus notice) will be described.
[0091]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The effect control board 102 determines whether a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S301). Until the command is received, the process of step S301 is repeated, and the process is in a state of waiting for the reception of the command. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S302).
[0092]
If the type of the received command is the winning information command transmitted in step S204, it is determined whether the received winning information command indicates a bonus winning (step S303). If it indicates a bonus prize, if the notified flag is set in the RAM 122, it is deleted (step S304). Then, the process proceeds to step S321. If it does not indicate a bonus prize, the process proceeds directly to step S321.
[0093]
If the type of the received command is the BET command transmitted in step S105 or S108, the value of the difference counter of the RAM 122 is subtracted by the bet amount indicated by the received BET command (step S305). As a result, it is determined whether or not the value of the difference counter has become negative (step S306). If the difference counter value is negative, 0 is set as the difference counter value (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S321. If the value of the difference counter is not negative, the process directly proceeds to step S321.
[0094]
When the type of the received command is the payout number command transmitted in step S207, the value of the difference counter of the RAM 122 is added by the expected payout number indicated by the received payout number command (step S308). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0095]
When the type of the received command is the winning status notification command transmitted in the lottery process in step S3, the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the received winning status notification command is temporarily stored in the RAM 122 (step S309). In addition, it is determined whether or not a bonus notification has been made in the game before the previous game and the notified flag has been set in the RAM 122 (step S310). If the notified flag is set, the process directly proceeds to step S321.
[0096]
If the notified flag is not set, it is determined whether or not a bonus is won based on the setting of the winning flag temporarily stored in the RAM 122 (step S311). If the bonus has not been won, the process proceeds to step S316. If the bonus has been won, a notification random number is extracted by the software random number function (step S312), and it is determined whether or not a bonus notification is to be performed based on the extracted random number (step S313). If the bonus notification is not to be made, the process proceeds to step S316.
[0097]
If a bonus notification is to be performed, a bonus notification effect is first performed using the liquid crystal display 4 or other effect means (step S314). When a bonus notification effect is performed, a notification completion flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S315). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0098]
In step S316, a random number for announcement determination is extracted by the software random number function. Next, based on the value of the extracted random number for the announcement determination, the setting status of the winning flag temporarily stored in the RAM 122 and the type of the bonus announcement registered in the bonus announcement determination table according to the value of the difference counter in the RAM 122 ( (Including no notice) (step S317).
[0099]
As a result, it is determined whether or not to perform a bonus notice (step S318). If the bonus notice is not to be given, the process proceeds directly to step S321. If a bonus announcement is to be made, a bonus announcement effect of the type retrieved from the bonus announcement determination table is performed using the liquid crystal display 4 or other effect means (step S319). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0100]
When the type of the received command is another command, a process corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S320). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S321. In step S321, the time counted by the game stop timer for considering that a new player starts a game is cleared to zero. Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0101]
When it is determined in step S301 that no command has been received, it is determined whether the game stop timer has counted a predetermined time (step S322). If the game stop timer has not counted the predetermined time, the process returns to step S301. If the game stop timer is counting a predetermined time, since no operation has been performed on the slot machine 1 during that time, the player who has been playing the game leaves the slot machine 1 and It is highly likely that the next game operation has been performed by another player. Then, the difference ball counter of the RAM 112 is cleared to the initial value of 0 (step S323). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0102]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the probability that the bonus announcement effect is performed in the game in which the bonus has not been won is higher when the difference counter value is less than 50 than when it is 50 or more. Will also be higher. It is considered that the value of the difference ball counter indicates a value relatively close to the number of medals (including credits) held by the player. As described above, when it is considered that the number of medals held by the player is small, the frequency of the bonus notice effect is increased, so that the sense of expectation for the bonus winning can be increased. As a result, the number of medals in hand can be reduced and the player trying to stop the game can be stopped, and the number of cases where the game is continued increases, resulting in an increase in the operating rate of the slot machine. .
[0103]
In addition, the value of the difference ball counter is increased when paying out medals by winning, and is decreased by setting the number of bets, but when the value becomes negative, 0 is set as an initial value. Is done. Since the number of medals held by the real player cannot be negative, the value of the difference ball counter is closer to the number of medals held by the real player.
[0104]
In the effect control board 102, when the game stop timer counts a predetermined time without receiving a command from the game control board 101, 0 is set as the initial value of the difference ball counter. When no command has been received for a long time and the slot machine 1 has not been operated, it is highly likely that a game by another player has been started. In such a case, by setting the value of the difference ball counter to 0, the player actually has the value of the difference ball counter regardless of how much the previous player has won the medal and has finished the game. It can be close to the number of medals being used.
[0105]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0106]
In the above embodiment, the value of the difference counter is added when paying out medals by winning, and is subtracted when the player sets the number of bets. On the other hand, the number of medals paid out by winning and the number of bets set by the player are counted using different counters, and the number of medals paid out is subtracted from the number of paid out medals separately counted to obtain a difference. May be calculated.
[0107]
In the above embodiment, the game stop timer measures the predetermined time because there is no command reception for the predetermined period, and it is considered that a new player starts the game, and the initial value of the value of the difference ball counter is considered. Was set to 0. On the other hand, when the operation of the slot machine 1 is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for a predetermined period of time without a predetermined period, a new player starts the game. May be set as the initial value. When the first and second reset switches 48 and 93 are operated, a new player may start a game, and the value of the difference ball counter may be set as an initial value.
[0108]
In the above embodiment, when the value of the difference counter is less than 50, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is increased. However, by the time the new player starts playing the game, the game stop timer normally has passed the predetermined time, so the value of the difference ball counter is 0, and the frequency of the difference ball counter is high from the beginning. There is a possibility that a bonus announcement effect will be performed and the player will be confused.
[0109]
Therefore, until the value of the difference ball counter once exceeds the upper limit of the range in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is changed, ie, 50 (or a predetermined value higher than that), the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is not changed. The frequency of the bonus announcement effect may be changed when the value once decreases over 50 and then decreases again to become less than 50. Also, from the time when the game stop timer measures a predetermined time and the initial value of 0 is set in the difference counter to the time when the predetermined number of games is consumed, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is not changed even if the bonus is not won. If the value of the difference counter becomes less than 50 after the predetermined number of games has been consumed, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect may be changed.
[0110]
When a new player starts a game, the new player has a minimum number of lent medals (generally 50). Therefore, when the game stop timer counts a predetermined time, the value of the difference ball counter is set to 50, and a value different from the initial value 0 set when the difference ball counter value becomes negative is set. It may be set. Since there are few players who stop the game just because the minimum number of medals has been rented out, when the game stop timer counts a predetermined time, the value of the difference counter is larger than the minimum number of units (for example, 100 ) May be set.
[0111]
In the above embodiment, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect when the bonus is not won is changed when the value of the difference ball counter becomes less than 50, so that the number of medals held by the player itself decreases. Could stop the player from stopping the game when it was deemed to be playing. However, for example, if the number of medals held by the player once becomes very large due to the continuous big bonus (for example, the value of the difference ball counter is about 1000), even if the number of medals held decreases sharply from here, Until the difference counter value was reduced to less than 50, there was no way to stop the game.
[0112]
As for the transition of the difference counter, a peak is generated before and after the end of the big bonus. Therefore, a range in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect may be changed according to the value of the difference counter at the end of the big bonus. For example, assuming that the number of medals held by the player (and the value of the difference ball counter) is increased by 300 in one big bonus, when the value of the difference ball counter reaches 400 at the end of the big bonus, The value of the difference ball counter, which is a period in which the number of medals for one bonus is about to decrease, may be set in a range of 100 to 150 as a range in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is changed.
[0113]
Depending on the value of the difference counter, a plurality of ranges in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect may be changed may be set. For example, when the difference counter value reaches 1000 at the end of the big bonus, the difference counter value may be set in three ranges of 700 to 750, 400 to 450, and 100 to 150. In this way, every time the medal of one big bonus medal is about to decrease, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is changed, and the game is stopped when the number of medals for one big bonus is about to decrease. You will be able to stop.
[0114]
The timing for setting the predetermined range is not limited to the end of the big bonus, but may be set at the end of the regular bonus. In addition to bonuses such as AT (Assist Time), CT (Challenge Time), RT (Replay Time), and AR (AT + RT), the expected value of a change in the number of medals held by the player (the value of the difference ball counter) is positive. In a slot machine that includes a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, a range in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is changed at the end of the advantageous gaming state may be set.
[0115]
In the above embodiment, the presence or absence of the bonus notice effect and its type are determined by whether or not the bonus is won and whether or not the value of the difference ball counter is 50 or more. I did not specifically explain what was available. Here, a bonus announcement effect that appears only when a bonus is won or when the value of the difference ball counter is less than 50 may be provided. When such a bonus announcement effect appears, the player can expect more bonus wins. By changing the content of the production in this way, the number of medals in hand is reduced, and the player who is trying to stop the game can be further stopped, thus increasing the possibility that the game is continued and the result is increased. As a result, the operating rate of the slot machine increases.
[0116]
In the above-described embodiment, the probability of performing the bonus announcement effect on the effect control board 102 changes only according to whether or not a bonus has been won and the value of the difference ball counter. The reason for changing according to the value of the difference ball counter is to prevent the player from stopping the game by the bonus notice effect and to increase the operating rate. However, the display mode as the display result of the variable display device 2 and the like Some players can determine whether a bonus has been won based on the bonus announcement effect more accurately than on the basis of the bonus announcement effect. For such a player, it is troublesome that the bonus notice is frequently made even though the bonus has not been won. On the other hand, players with lower skills tend to proceed with the game by relying on the bonus notice effect, so even if the number of medals on hand is reduced due to the change in the frequency of the bonus notice effect, additional players will be added. It is highly probable that they will receive medals and intend to continue the game.
[0117]
As a method of determining the skill of the player, for example, in a game in which a winning flag of any combination is set, a ratio of the number of games in which the combination cannot be won (missing rate) can be applied. The bonus notice determination table indicates whether or not a bonus has been won, whether or not the value of the difference ball counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (50 in the above example), and whether or not the missing rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a random number value for performing a bonus announcement effect may be registered.
[0118]
Here, when the drop-out rate is less than the predetermined value, even if the value of the difference ball counter is less than the predetermined value, the probability of performing the bonus announcement effect can be set not to be high. The loss rate is determined by the ratio of the number of internally won games to the number of games that did not win at that time. The game stop timer measures a predetermined time and resets the value of the difference ball counter to 0. At the time of clearing, the values of the number of internally won winning games and the number of games that did not win, which are counted for calculating the miss rate, can also be cleared to zero.
[0119]
As a method of determining the skill of the player, for example, the operation timing of the start lever 11 and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, the insertion timing of medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and the operation of the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15 The timing, the number of sliding frames of a symbol when a winning occurs, and the like can be applied instead of the missing rate.
[0120]
In the above-described embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on an outer peripheral portion. Is variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a difference between the number of bets paid out to the player and the number of bets set by the player (which is often close to the number of valuables possessed by the player) is within a predetermined range. By changing the frequency of the effect when it becomes, the number of players who stop to stop the game increases. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued is increased, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine is increased.
[0122]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the difference obtained by subtracting the bet amount set by the player from the bet amount paid out to the player is within a predetermined range, the content of the effect is also changed, The number of players who stop to stop the game further increases. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued is increased, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine is increased.
[0123]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, until the predetermined value is first exceeded from the start of the game, the frequency of the effect is not changed, and the player is not liable to be confused.
[0124]
According to the invention of claim 4, by setting the predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means, it is possible to further change the effect frequency at an appropriate timing when the difference number changes.
[0125]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined end condition for an advantageous game state is satisfied, the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means tends to peak, and the setting of the predetermined range for changing the effect frequency is optimized. Can be performed at an appropriate timing.
[0126]
According to the invention of claim 6, by changing the frequency of the effect according to the skill of the player, a player with a low skill who tends to rely on the effect is directed to continue the game. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce a case where a player with high skill is bothered by unnecessary effects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized when a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a structure on a rear side of a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wiring mounted on the game control board and the effect control board.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a bonus notice determination table stored in a ROM in the effect control board.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the bet processing of FIG. 7 in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the winning determination processing of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit of the effect control board.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 Variable display device
4 Liquid crystal display
101 game control board
102 Production control board

Claims (6)

The game can be started by setting the number of bets for one game, and the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, thereby ending one game, and according to the display result of the variable display device. In a slot machine where a predetermined prize can be generated,
A wagering number counting means for counting the number of wagers set by the player; and a value counting means for counting the number of value values paid out to the player by the occurrence of the predetermined prize. Difference calculating means for calculating a difference obtained by subtracting the set bet amount from the number of valuable values,
Effect control means for causing the effect means to perform effects related to the game,
The effect control means determines whether or not the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range, and when it is determined that the difference number is within the predetermined range, determines the frequency at which the effect means performs an effect. A slot machine characterized by changing. The said effect control means, when it determines with the difference number calculated by the said difference number calculation means being in the said predetermined range, further changes the content of the effect made to perform by the said effect means. The described slot machine. The effect control means, after the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means exceeds a predetermined value equal to or greater than the maximum value of the predetermined range, when it is determined that the difference is in the predetermined range, the effect means 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a frequency of performing the effect is changed. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a range setting unit that sets the predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation unit. 5. Game state transition means for shifting a game state to a game state advantageous to a player having a positive expected value of the difference number during a predetermined period from when a predetermined start condition is satisfied to when a predetermined end condition is satisfied. Further comprising
The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the range setting means sets the predetermined range when the predetermined end condition is satisfied. According to the progress of the game, further comprises a skill determination means for determining the skill of the player,
The said production control means further changes the frequency which makes the said production means perform an effect according to the skill of the player determined by the said skill determination means, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The described slot machine.

Images